Sandra Ricart, Anna Ribas, David Pavón, Ariadna Gabarda-Mallorquí and Dolors Roset
The purpose of this paper is to identify the tourism potential of natural and cultural heritage in historical irrigation canals by promoting social learning and providing digital…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to identify the tourism potential of natural and cultural heritage in historical irrigation canals by promoting social learning and providing digital tools to local and visitors.
Design/methodology/approach
This research is based on the EUWATHER project (JPI – Cultural Heritage, HERITAGE PLUS Joint Call 2015), through which new opportunities for eco-tourism and outdoor recreation as a driver for sustainable development of historical irrigation canals are provided. A case study from North-Eastern Spain, the Lower Ter area (in the Costa Brava), is analyzed. Heritage inventories and digital itineraries including the tangible and intangible cultural history of waterscape heritage have been co-designed with local communities and key stakeholders. Online data sets and Spatial Data Infrastructure (webpage and mobile app) are provided.
Findings
The project provides a manual for developing digital waterways heritage tours. For the case study, up to 118 heritage objects have been selected from 8 natural and cultural heritage categories according to their tourism potential. Three itineraries have been proposed to promote the tourism potential existing in the hinterland of the Costa Brava region.
Practical implications
The methods section and the main results obtained for the case study will be useful for professionals working in heritage institutions, rural development and sustainable tourism agencies.
Originality/value
The project provides two geo-based technologies: a digital platform (www.waterwaysexplorer.com) and a mobile app (Izi.travel) in which external users are able to collect relevant data and construct tourism itineraries from minor waterways with consolidated natural and cultural heritage. A Tool Box is provided for practitioners in order to help local communities and tourist organizations to create their own itineraries along minor waterways.
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Maria Torres-Bagur, Anna Ribas Palom and Josep Vila-Subirós
The purpose of this paper is understand these perceptions and identify main problems associated to climate change in order to design effective mitigation and adaptation strategies…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is understand these perceptions and identify main problems associated to climate change in order to design effective mitigation and adaptation strategies to guarantee the sustainability of tourism and natural resources. The Mediterranean basin is a leading international tourist destination and one that is particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change. Although these effects are largely known, in-depth studies of how they and the associated risks are perceived by key tourism stakeholders have not been performed.
Design/methodology/approach
Interviews were held with 31 hotels, campsites and rural lodgings in the Muga River basin in north-east Catalonia, in which both owners and managers were asked about their perceptions of climate change, effects and countermeasures.
Findings
Perceptions of climate change and its effects varied according to the type of establishment and location (coast, cities or inland). Significant differences were observed for perceptions of how responsibilities for implementing mitigation and adaptation measures to counter the effects of climate change, including water shortages, should be shared out between the main agents with an interest in guaranteeing the sustainability of tourism, namely, government bodies, tourist establishments and clients. The predominant opinion, however, was that the bulk of the responsibility should lie with government bodies.
Practical implications
Only when those responsible for running tourist establishments are aware of the risks of climate change, it will be possible to design and implement effective short-, medium- and long-term strategies aimed at strengthening the resilience of the tourist industry.
Originality/value
The originality of this study lies in its novel methodology and approach, which involved analyzing perceptions of climate change, including water shortages and its effects among owners and managers of different types of tourist accommodation establishments in distinct parts of the same area.
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Anna Ribas, Jorge Olcina and David Sauri
The purpose of this paper is to examine the role of high intensity precipitation events in increasing the vulnerability to floods in Mediterranean Spain. Precipitation intensity…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the role of high intensity precipitation events in increasing the vulnerability to floods in Mediterranean Spain. Precipitation intensity in this area appears to have augmented in the last two decades in association with warming trends of the Mediterranean Sea. At the same time, intense urbanization processes, occupying and transforming flood prone land, have produced an important increase in exposure. The main objective is to assess whether higher intensity precipitation and changing patterns in exposure aggravate vulnerability to floods.
Design/methodology/approach
In this paper, vulnerability is understood as the result of the interrelationships between exposure, sensitivity, impacts and adaptive capacity. Consequently, methods used involved the compilation and analysis of published and unpublished precipitation data, population and land use data, data on insurance claims, and media sources related to those variables.
Findings
Changes toward episodes of more intense precipitation in the expanding urban areas of Mediterranean Spain increase exposure but not necessarily vulnerability, at least in terms of human deaths. However, adaptative capacity needs to be formulated. Actions that attempt to absorb and eventually reuse flood flows (as the flood park in Alicante) appear to be more effective than traditional hydraulic solutions (as in Majorca).
Originality/value
The paper provides a systematic and coherent approach to vulnerability analysis taking into account the changing dynamics of its components. Especially, it signals the limits of current adaptive approaches to flooding and advocates for changes toward a more circular and less linear approach to urban drainage.
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Jorge Olcina, David Sauri, Maria Hernández and Anna Ribas
The purpose of this paper is to assess the main changes regarding flood policy in Spain during the period 1983-2013, that is right after the large and very damaging episodes of…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to assess the main changes regarding flood policy in Spain during the period 1983-2013, that is right after the large and very damaging episodes of 1982-1983 in Valencia, Catalonia and the Basque Country.
Design/methodology/approach
This is above all a review paper that looks retrospectively at flood policy in Spain during the past three decades. In order to collect and organize the information the authors follow the methodology of the IPCC regarding vulnerability studies. That is, the authors provide evidence for an overall assessment of the evolution of exposure, sensibility and adaptive capacity to floods in Spain for the period of reference. The authors approach these issues through the own experience and expertise on this subject as noted in the reference list.
Findings
While exposure to floods has generally increased (especially after the massive growth of urbanization in flood prone land of the 1990s and early 2000s) overall flood policy has contributed to make Spain less sensible and more adapted to floods. Still some issues remain unsolved especially the control of urban growth and the adaptation of the built environment to floods. For these reasons absolute economic losses from floods may continue to be important in the future (perhaps more so with climate change) even though, overall, Spanish society may have become less vulnerable and therefore more resilient than in the past.
Originality/value
The paper provides a retrospective study and assessment of policies taken and their changes regarding floods at a national level over a long period of time (30 years) which is a theme still relatively little explored in the scientific literature on this hazard.
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Despite opposition from housebuilders, the Nationally Described Space Standard (NDSS) was introduced in 2015 amid concerns about shrinking home sizes. This paper examines Planning…
Abstract
Purpose
Despite opposition from housebuilders, the Nationally Described Space Standard (NDSS) was introduced in 2015 amid concerns about shrinking home sizes. This paper examines Planning Appeal cases to examine how the standard has been enforced.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper considers how the NDSS has informed the regulation of housing size, based on an overview of post-2015 Planning Appeal Decisions in England where the gross internal area of the home was below the NDSS.
Findings
Appeals by developers have tended to fail where homes are “significantly” – i.e. 10% or more – below the NDSS. However, in some instances – especially where local authorities have not adopted the NDSS – the Planning Inspectorate rules considerably smaller homes “adequate”. These discrepancies appear related to (subjective) judgements about who might occupy the space, alongside consideration of layout, light and fenestration.
Originality/value
This paper is the first exploration of how the NDSS has been enforced, highlighting important contradictions in the adjudication of space standards. Many of these contradictions emerge because the NDSS is discretionary rather than mandatory, with the paper suggesting the need for clearer guidance on their application.
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Anna Che Azmi, Norazlin Ab Aziz, Normawati Non and Rusnah Muhamad
This paper aims to examine the reasons behind the low level of Sharia-related disclosures, particularly Sharia-compliant companies, to gain an understanding on how these companies…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to examine the reasons behind the low level of Sharia-related disclosures, particularly Sharia-compliant companies, to gain an understanding on how these companies disclose Sharia-related information in their annual reports, and how professional users of these reports search for such disclosures.
Design/methodology/approach
The study is an exploratory research based on structured interviews with individuals involved in the preparation of annual reports of Sharia-compliant companies and professional users of annual reports.
Findings
Most Sharia-compliant companies and professional users interviewed agree that the most relevant Sharia-related information is most commonly understood as the information found in the financial statement and its notes (accounting-related disclosures). Their responses indicate that there is a disjoint between the conventional disclosure practices on corporate social responsibility items and the Sharia-related information.
Research limitations/implications
The idea of full disclosure needs to be further understood from the perspectives of Sharia. This study provides insights into the types of Sharia-related information that are important for disclosure. Future research should focus on examining a larger number of companies and interviewing more professional users from different jurisdictions to generate more knowledge about the nature of Sharia information and its disclosure.
Practical implications
Users of the Sharia screening methods, especially regulators, such as the Securities Commission Malaysia should encourage the disclosure of the required aspects of Sharia in the annual reports of Sharia-compliant companies, as professional users are interested in this type of information.
Originality/value
This study offers insights into the reasons behind low Sharia disclosures in annual reports of Sharia-compliant companies.
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Anna Azmi, Normawati Non and Norazlin Ab Aziz
This paper aims to examine the challenges of applying Shariah law in the equity market by engaging in narratives with Shariah screeners and advisors on how they conduct their…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to examine the challenges of applying Shariah law in the equity market by engaging in narratives with Shariah screeners and advisors on how they conduct their screening responsibilities despite the low levels of Islamic-related disclosure made by companies in their annual reports. The Shariah screening processes in three countries with different Islamic equity markets – Malaysia, Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom – are examined.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors interview 19 Shariah screeners and advisors in three different Islamic equity markets – Malaysia, Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom.
Findings
Overall, the findings in this study show that despite the differences in the regulatory environment, companies still make Islamic-related disclosures on a voluntary basis. However, the lack of Islamic-related disclosures presents various challenges for Shariah screeners, particularly when identifying the operations that constitute the main activity of the company in screening for prohibited activities.
Research limitations/implications
Shariah screeners can play an important role in increasing the level of understanding and perhaps increasing Islamic-related disclosures in annual reports by establishing a set of effective guidelines or practices for Shariah screeners to use when screening companies for their Shariah-compliant status.
Originality/value
The paper identifies a gap in the Shariah screening literature and voluntary Islamic disclosures literature. By identifying this gap, the paper highlights the challenges Shariah screeners and advisors face because of the low level of Islamic-related disclosures.
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Dawid Storman, Pawel Jemiolo, Mateusz Swierz, Zuzanna Sawiec, Ewa Antonowicz, Malgorzata M. Bala and Anna Prokop-Dorner
This study aims to determine whether individuals’ needs related to psychopharmacotherapy are revealed in peer-to-peer interactions on web-based forums dedicated to people with…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to determine whether individuals’ needs related to psychopharmacotherapy are revealed in peer-to-peer interactions on web-based forums dedicated to people with depression and anxiety disorders.
Design/methodology/approach
On July 18, 2021, the authors searched for Polish-language forums focusing on depression and anxiety. From the 10 identified forums, the authors selected two with the highest users’ activity: depresja.ws (depression) and nerwica.com (anxiety disorders). A total of 160 posts from the depression forum and 122 posts from the anxiety forum, covering the period between 2006 and 2020, were collected using automated web scraping. The authors performed mixed-methods analysis of the posts including content analysis for the qualitative part and the Pearson’s?2 test for the quantitative part.
Findings
The total number of units of coding expressing needs was 494 for the depression forum and 360 for anxiety disorders. The most frequently identified needs were the same for depression and anxiety forums and involved informational, social life and emotional. The qualitative analysis revealed three main needs. First, users primarily sought and shared information about pharmacotherapy, focusing on symptoms and drug side effects. Then, requests for sharing experiences, offering hope and building community and emotional expression, especially the release of negative emotions.
Research limitations/implications
The study identified limitations primarily related to the data source and analysis methods. These included the inability to verify user identities or collect demographic details due to the anonymity of forums, potential underrepresentation of needs not explicitly expressed and the subjectivity inherent in qualitative analysis, despite efforts to standardize coding and ensure reliability. Additionally, the findings are context-specific to Poland’s unique socio-historical background, and the analysis excluded individuals without computer access, limiting the generalizability of results to other populations and settings.
Practical implications
Mental health professionals can use insights from web-based forums to better understand and address the needs of patients with depression and anxiety, tailoring treatment plans to improve patient satisfaction and outcomes. Building trust through patient-centered care and addressing barriers such as misconceptions or fears can enhance therapeutic relationships and encourage treatment engagement. Additionally, improving health literacy with clear communication and reliable information empowers patients to make informed decisions about their care.
Originality/value
This study uniquely examines the specific needs of Polish users on medication-related forums, addressing not only informational needs but also emotional support, practical advice and social connection. By comparing forums for depression and anxiety, it highlights key differences in how these groups seek and use support.
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Alesandra de Araújo Benevides, Alan Oliveira Sousa, Daniel Tomaz de Sousa and Francisca Zilania Mariano
Adolescent pregnancy stands as a societal challenge, compelling young individuals to prematurely discontinue their education. Conversely, an expansion of high school education can…
Abstract
Purpose
Adolescent pregnancy stands as a societal challenge, compelling young individuals to prematurely discontinue their education. Conversely, an expansion of high school education can potentially diminish rates of adolescent pregnancy, given that educational attainment stands as the foremost risk factor influencing sexual initiation, the use of contraceptive methods during initial sexual encounters and fertility. The aim of this paper is to analyze the impact of the implementation of the public educational policy introducing full-time schools (FTS) for high schools in the state of Ceará, Brazil, on early pregnancy rates.
Design/methodology/approach
Using the difference-in-differences method with multiple time periods, we measured the average effect of this staggered treatment on the treated municipalities.
Findings
The main result indicates a reduction of 0.849 percentage points in the teenage pregnancy rate. Concerning dynamic effects, the establishment of FTS in treated municipalities results in a 1.183–1.953 percentage point decrease in teenage pregnancy rates, depending on the timing of exposure. We explored heterogeneous effects within socioeconomically vulnerable municipalities, yet discerned no impact on this group. Rigorous tests confirm the robustness of the results.
Originality/value
This paper aims to contribute to: (1) the consolidation of research on the subject, given the absence of such research in Brazil to the best of our knowledge; (2) the advancement and analysis of evidence-based public policy and (3) the utilization of novel longitudinal data and methodology to evaluate adolescent pregnancy rates.